Health or Hype

I’ve done a few of these posts before, so if there is a wellness trend you’re curious about check round 1, round 2, or round 3 to see if I previously covered it. If not drop it in the comments section and I’ll answer it next time!

Tongue Scraping
HEALTH because there really are no negative side effects (unless you scrape too hard and bleed I suppose). Tongue scraping is an Ayurvedic oral hygiene practice practice to remove bacteria, food debris, fungi, toxins, and dead cells from the surface of the tongue. This practice mostly helps with bad breath, but is also touted to improve immunity and digestions because the it removes toxic mucous from the tongue. Overall, I think it can help oral hygiene and it’s an inexpensive addition to your routine. I have this one.

Dried Fruit (mango, bananas, etc.)
HYPE unless you’re an athlete, going on a long run or hike, etc. in which dried fruit can be a good quick energy source. Always choose unsweetened because the sweetened variety contains a lot of added sugar. For the average person looking for a healthy snack option…you’re better off choosing whole fruit. A whole piece of fruit contains fiber which helps slow down the rise of insulin and takes longer to digest. Dried fruit (no matter what kind) is lower in fiber and high in sugar…leaving you unsatisfied, craving more, and probably finishing the whole bag in one sitting.

Dry Brushing
HEALTH (and some hype) and I wish I remembered to do this on a more regular basis. While there is not a lot of science to back up claims that dry brushing can detoxify and improve lymphatic flow… it’s a great exfoliator. This practice can definitely help improve dry and flaky skin. Using a brush like this on dry skin will increase blood flow and can improve circulation which can give skin a more youthful appearance and many claim can improve cellulite (dermatologists say cellulite is genetic and no cure, so take this claim with a grain of salt). Dry brushing can feel really invigorating because it stimulates the sensory nerves, so ideally best to do in the morning (BEFORE SHOWER- you want dry skin) and shower after to rinse off dead skin cells. It doesn’t hurt (don’t go too hard) and I actually like the way it feels. For more information and tips click here.

Bullet Proof Coffee
BOTH we all know someone OBSESSED with bullet proof coffee who swears by it. They probably love crossfit too ;). Some people drink it while fasting (more of a “fat fast” practice because it contains calories and stops autophagy, but the fat added to black coffee doesn’t stimulate the release of insulin and you will stay in ketosis if that’s your goal) and some people use it as a breakfast replacement. It’s basically black coffee with fat added; usually in the form of butter, ghee, or coconut oil/MCT oil. People have different recipes and methods, but that’s the gist. While all those sources of fat are healthy, fat keeps you full, and it does not trigger an insulin response (all good things) but if it’s not your jam I wouldn’t encourage you to start drinking it for health reasons. You can easily get those fats in other ways in your diet. Personally I tried it a few times because I like to be a human guinea pig and it made me nauseous.

Hair, Skin & Nail Supplements
HYPE these type of supplements commonly contain antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E, or Coenzyme Q10, as well as biotin. Most people get adequate amounts of these nutrients through their diet (or other supplements you’re already taking). If you DO have some of these specific deficiencies it can show up as dry skin, brittle nails, thinning hair for sure. However, I’d prefer to treat the deficiency via food first 😉 There can also be other underlying health reasons you’re experiencing those symptoms, so always check in with your doctor first! Lastly, remember these supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so when choosing a supplement try to find one with one of these seals: U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), NSF International, ConsumerLab.com, and UL.

Intermittent Fasting/IF (revised opinion) I said this wellness trend was hype on this post, but have done A LOT of research since and have an updated opinion to HEALTH when appropriately executed.

IF has been around for a long time, but I would say has picked up popularity in the past 5ish years. I was initially very against this “trend” because of my background in treating eating disorder. While I stand firm that this eating style is not appropriate for someone with an active or recent history of an eating disorder/disordered eating behaviors I have recently thrown myself into the research and have a much better understanding of the health benefits related to this eating style. There are so many different styles or plans of IF (this article can be helpful in explaining), so if this is something you’re interested in trying I recommend doing your research first and don’t just jump into it (or you’ll feel like crap and be unsuccessful). I plan do an entire post on IF, so stay tuned.

Any trends you’re curious about that I missed? Leave them in the comments section of DM us!

xx, A

Disclaimer: All information on the The Champagne Theory blog, including but not limited to information about nutrition, health and fitness, is intended for general or background purposes only, and not as medical advice applicable to any individual. Please consult your medical provider or providers for instructions specific to your own medical concerns and condition.